Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision (Qualitative Research)

What Is Counselor Education and Supervision?

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision program at Grand Canyon University gives learners the theoretical and practical background knowledge to teach counseling students and supervise clinical counselors. Before earning the degree, learners must conduct psychological research to develop and test new ideas and theories. This research ensures that they will be expert practitioners who are fully capable of supporting counseling students and clinical counselors.

During the course of this PhD program, learners will grow in the areas of:

    Counseling
    Teaching
    Counselor supervision
    Leadership and advocacy
    Scholarship
    statistics and research

What Is a Qualitative PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision?

Doctoral students pursuing GCU’s qualitative PhD will focus on analyzing how and why people think, believe and behave a certain way, whereas students pursuing GCU’s quantitative PhD will focus on analyzing events by interpreting numeric data. To complete the analysis for a qualitative PhD, students will create a sampling plan, design various research tools, collect data and analyze the data using a systematic approach. Their results will then be presented in a written report.
Learn to Research, Educate and Supervise

This PhD in counselor education program was created by the College of Doctoral Studies as a response to how many master’s level counselors were seeking further education. PhD graduates are needed to teach, mentor and supervise those master’s level students. Graduates of the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision supervise clinical counselors and provide instruction and leadership when necessary.

On the path to supporting other counselors, doctoral learners will improve their own practice and impact the health outcomes of the clients they work with. This learning happens as a result of coursework and research, residency, internship and practicum requirements. The combination of theoretical and hands-on work transitions counselor education PhD students into the next stages of their careers.

The College of Doctoral Studies has outlined the six domains that highlight the goals of the PhD in counselor education coursework.

    Counseling
        Examine and integrate ethical and culturally relevant theories of counseling
    Supervision
        Develop a legal, ethical and personally-relevant style of clinical supervision
    Teaching
        Design, deliver and evaluate counselor education experiences
    Scholarship and Research
        Conduct independent research
    Leadership and Advocacy
        Lead and advocate based on prevailing social, cultural and political conditions and trends within counseling
    Special Topics
        Evaluate the integration of evidence-based treatments relevant to family systems and group dynamics and processes

PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision Careers

PhD in counselor education graduates have many opportunities to see growth and change in their careers. They may choose to stay in their current practice and apply the research and learning to improve the lives of their clients or choose to advance in a new career such as:

    Faculty member
    Advanced clinician
    Director of school guidance
    Director of counseling agencies

If you are grateful for the counseling education you received, it is possible to give back. Find out how by learning more about the Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision degree program at GCU.